CASA RPA Accreditation key terms

An aircraft flown by a pilot at a ground control station rather than from onboard, used in Australian rules for drones operated under remote control.

The person who manipulates the flight controls of an RPA and is responsible for its safe conduct during flight.

Continuous unaided visual contact with the aircraft, allowing the pilot to monitor its flight path and detect other aircraft or hazards.

Flying using a live camera feed rather than direct sight, which does not by itself satisfy see-and-avoid obligations unless a visual observer maintains sight.

A person positioned to maintain sight of the RPA and its surroundings, communicating with the remote pilot to help detect conflicting traffic and hazards.

The duty to watch for other aircraft and obstacles and to give way so as to avoid a collision, applying to all drone operations.

Priority rules requiring drones to give way to all manned aircraft and to avoid impeding their movement, landing or take-off.

An area where people are gathered or concentrated, such as a beach, park, event or busy street, which restricts where drones may be flown.

The requirement to keep the RPA at least 30 metres away from people not involved in the operation, unless those people are adequately protected.

Protection of people, property and other airspace users from harm arising from drone operations, including respecting privacy and not creating hazards.

A drone flown for recreational purposes, which is subject to the general operating rules rather than the commercial certification regime.

Flying a drone solely for sport or leisure rather than for hire, reward or business purposes, which affects the rules that apply.

Flying a drone in connection with a business or for payment, which generally brings the flight within the operator accreditation and certification framework.

A drone with a gross weight of more than 250 grams but not more than 25 kilograms, a common category for registration and accreditation requirements.

A very light drone, generally under 250 grams gross weight, which is exempt from many registration and accreditation requirements but still subject to safety rules.

The formal recording of an RPA and its operator with the aviation regulator, required for most drones above the micro threshold before flight.

The unique identifier issued when an RPA is registered, which must be displayed or carried as required and produced on request.

A formal recognition that a person or business may conduct drone operations, obtained by meeting knowledge and safety requirements rather than full certification.

A certificate held by an organisation permitting it to conduct commercial drone operations beyond the scope of simple accreditation, subject to approved procedures.

A licence held by an individual confirming competence to fly RPA for commercial purposes, typically required alongside operator accreditation or a ReOC.

A documented set of procedures, responsibilities and safety practices that an operator follows and maintains to conduct flights consistently and safely.

The obligation to maintain accurate records such as flight logs, training evidence, registrations and maintenance details for the required retention period.

A record of each flight capturing details such as date, location, pilot, aircraft and duration, supporting accountability and investigation.

A written notification to the regulator of an accident, serious incident or reportable safety occurrence involving an RPA.

Airspace in which air traffic control provides a service and where drone operations generally require prior authorisation.

Approval from the relevant airspace authority or air traffic control allowing an RPA to operate in an area where flight is otherwise restricted.

A defined volume of airspace where drone flight is banned entirely, often near sensitive sites such as prisons, courts or security facilities.

Airspace where flight is limited to specified conditions or permission holders, commonly around aerodromes, fire zones or major events.

An area, temporary or permanent, within which drone operations are not permitted without specific approval, often published through official notices.

A notice distributed to airspace users advising of temporary changes or hazards such as events, works or closures that may affect a planned flight.

Airspace set aside for a specific activity, such as a drone operation, keeping it separated from other traffic for the duration of the activity.

A defined area used for aircraft landing and take-off, around which drone operations are typically restricted to protect manned aircraft movements.

The greatest mass at which an RPA is permitted to begin flight, used to classify drones into weight categories and determine which rules apply.

The maximum height above ground at which a drone may be flown without specific approval, commonly 120 metres for standard operations.

Checking weather, airspace restrictions, NOTAMs, site hazards and people on the ground before launch so the flight can be conducted safely.

An inspection of the operating area to identify obstacles, hazards, boundaries and people, informing the choice of launch point and flight path.

A situation where the pilot can no longer direct the RPA's flight path, requiring immediate response such as activating return-to-home or alerting others.

A pre-planned set of actions for events such as lost link, battery failure or a person entering the area, aimed at reducing harm.

Permission obtained before recording or photographing individuals, reflecting privacy obligations that apply alongside aviation safety rules.